Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 73%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for a client who had a central venous catheter placed in the right subclavian vein. Approximately 30 minutes after placement the client has become increasingly restless, has jugular vein distention, and a heart rate of 120 beats per minute. The nurse would assess for which possible complication?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Restlessness, jugular vein distention, and tachycardia post-subclavian catheter placement suggest pneumothorax, a complication from lung puncture during insertion.